One of the smallest emirates, Umm al Quwain was once mainly a fishing and date farming area, but in recent years has begun developing attractions for tourists including Umm Al Quwain Fort, Old Harbor, Dreamland Aqua Park and Al Dour Island. According to Better Homes, there are large construction projects underway to make this emirate even more attractive to investors. The Royal Amwaj Resort was the first freehold project in the emirate in 2010, according to Gulf News, and many more may follow.

According to Emaar to register real estate rights, the following documentation is required:

• Original Sale Agreement / Contract 
• Original Passport for Verification and copy 
• Original authorization letter or Power of Attorney in the absence of owner/s 

And if the property is not bought with cash, and is financed:

• Certified true copy stamp on the Sale Agreement
• No Objection Certificate from the financial institution addressed to UAQ Land Department with mortgage details 

Fees, if you were to buy through Emaar Properties, would include:

• 2% of the purchase price (as registration fee) 
• US$288 (as Title Deed issuance fee) payable via Banker’s draft/ Manager’s cheque addressed to “Government of Umm Al Quwain Land and Property Department” 
• US$272 (as registration of the purchase agreement fee) payable via Banker’s draft or Manager’s cheque addressed to “Government of Umm Al Quwain – Department of Planning and Survey” 

If property is mortgaged: 

• 1% of the Mortgage value 
• US$16 (as knowledge fee) payable via Banker’s draft/ Manager’s cheque addressed to “Government of Umm Al Quwain Land and Property Department” 
• Emaar Properties charges US$136 as administrative fees, other agents fees may vary 
• US$408 For overseas customers applicable only for non-financed / individual purchasers not under a Company name. 

If you are overseas when the purchase is taking place, you can use a Power of Attorney. The lawyer should carry a copy of your passport and his original passport along with the POA. A legalized translation of POA, if not in Arabic, is required. 

Renting
The Umm al Quwain Municipality issues certified lease contracts. Required documentation includes an ID or passport. Documents should be submitted at the customer service section, then fees of 2% of the annual rent as well as an administrative fee of US$12 must be paid. The the landlord and tenant must sign the agreement, then the lease will be attested by the head of Contracts and Properties department. Both the landlord and tenant will be given a copy of the lease, and one copy will be retained by the municipality.

Residency visas, requirements and applications can be found here.

See also:

How to buy and rent property in the UAE

How to buy and rent property in Fujairah

How to buy and rent property in Sharjah